Paper-clip



W. L. FRANK.

PAPER CLIP,

APPLICATION FILED Nov. 3. 1913.

l 1 95, 364:. Patent-ed Aug. 22, 1916.

( number,

WiZZiamL Frank WWI moons s PETERS c0. Puamuma. WASHINGTUN. uv n Warren s'ra'rns PAPER-CLIP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 22, 1931 6.

Application filed November 3, 1913. Serial No. 798,852.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM L. FRANK, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Vapakoneta, in the county of Auglaize and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in PaperClips, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings. I

This invention relates to paper clips, and the object of my invention is to provide a paper clip made of a single length of spring wire, which can be instantly attached or removed without tearing or creasing the paper, and which further securely holds the paper or documents together.

Another object is to provide a paper clip, which will grip the articles at four points, but will not crease the paper.

A further object is to provide a paper clip, in outline resembling the initial letters U S. I

A still further object is to provide a light, readily attachable filing clasp, to securely hold a number of sheets of paper together so that the same can be filed for future reference.

WVith these and other objects in view, the present invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described and finally pointed out in the appended claims, it being further understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views: Figure 1, shows a plan view of a paper clip embodying my invention. Fig. 2, shows a lower end view. Fig. 3, shows a perspective view. Fig. 4, shows a perspective view showing a filing clasp secured to a fastener. Fig. 5, shows the method of securing the clasp to a document or sheet of paper.

In my present invention, I provide a paper clip arranged to removably hold sheets of paper and documents, the clip being so constructed that the same can be adjusted with ease, accuracy and despatch, and which can be instantly removed from the papers without tearing the same.

.My paper clip further is ornamental, in

that it represents the initial letters U S, so that the clip may be designated as the United States clip, a designation that will assist in selling the clip, and establishing a trade name therefor.

In carrying out the aim of my invention, I employ a single length of spring wire of any suitable diameter, including the straight stem 1, from which is continued the bent portion 2, continued in the stem 3. These three sections form the letter U. From the upper end of the straight stem portion 8, is continued the straight portion l, continued in-the curved portion 5, which in turn is continued in the intermediate portion 6 and ends in the rounded portion 7, from which the lower stem 9, is continued. This stem 9, as shown is provided with an outwardly directed hump or crook 8, located within the lower bend 2, of the U-shaped member. As disclosed the S-shaped member is held in spring pressed contact with the U-shaped member.

As shown, the stem 1, is continued in the top portion 11, held parallel to the portion 4, and this portion 11, is continued at right angles in the end portion 10, held parallel to the stem 8, and being of such a length as to lie in spring pressed condition against the members A and 6. By means of the extensions 10 and 11, the strength and gripping qualities of the clasp are increased in that the member 10, is held in spring pressed condition against the portion 6, forcing the same against the stem portion 3.

Where the clasp is used the paper is provided with an opening at a suitable point as shown in Fig. 5, through which the hump 8, extends. The documents are then forced between the members 1 and 3 and 6 and 9. After the papers have been filed a pin 12, is forced under the hump 8, as shown. The papers are then securely but removably held and can be filed away.

If two clasps are attached to the sheets to be filed away, one near each corner the clips are provided with a fastener, as shown at 14:, in Fig. 4. A large number of paper sheets or documents can thus be filed in alphabetical order, or in the order in which they are received, in this instance, each pair of clasps holding one side or division of a large number of papers, the holder 14, being of such a length as to receive a plurality of the clasps. The holder 14, is provided with the cars 15, which are brought rigidity to the clasp, permitting the documents to be inserted however without crimping, tearing 0r injuring them. The documents can also be readily removed without tearing them.

It is of course understood that these clips and clasps can be repeatedly used. The clips are readily attached in holding the parts 4 and 6, between the thumb and torefinger of the right hand, the papers being held in the left hand. The lower portion marked 2, is to remain abovethe papers. On then pushing down on 4- and 6, the papers are readily passed between the two members.

From the foregoing it will be understood that where the device is merely to be used as'a temporary paper clasp, the extensions 11 and 10, are not necessary.

The employment of the pin 12, makes the device a permanent fastener or clasp. The member 14, while spread is preferably bent in the form of a loop so that the fasteners can be readily removed therefrom.

A special advantage in the use ofmy clip and clasp, lies in the fact that the pages are held in a flattened condition, and are not torn in replacing or removing them from the clip or clasp. V

The clips which are made in sizes, can readily be secured to thedocuments in sliding them over the hump 8, and carrying the documents upward until they are stopped against the top member t.

The clip is simple and inexpensive in construction, is ornamental and durable, and eflicient in operation.

Having thus described my said invention,

what I claim as new and'desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A clasp made of a single length of spring wire bent to form the letter U, from the upper end of one stem of which is continued at rightangles a straight top portion from which is continued a portion bent into the letter S, the height of the letter S being less than the length of the U-shaped portion but wider, whereby the curved portions of said letter S extend beyond said.

stem portions of said U-shaped member, the bottom portion of said S-shaped member having an outwardly directed hump held within the bightportion'of said U-shaped member, the otherstem of said U-shaped member-being continued in" a top portion extending above and parallel to said first mentioned top portion and ending in the straight side stem held paralleltosaid first mentioned stem the end of said sideqstem' i stem portion of said -U-shaped member, the

other stem of said U-shap'ed member being continued in a top" portion extending above and parallel to said firstmentioned top portion and ending inthe straight side stem held parallel to said first mentioned stem the end of said side stem extending'beyond and restingragainst the central portion of said S-shaped member.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature,

in the presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM L. FRANK.

Witnesses:

Gnonen Holmes, 7 HARRY RoMsHn.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. I 

